New PMS Option: Cannabis Laced Vaginal Suppositories

Ladies who suffer from dysmenorrhoea, or the achy, crampy and general “I feel like crap” sensations that happen in relation to menstruation, now have another option in the quiver to relieve these symptoms. (At least in California and Colorado.) It’s called “Foria Relief Suppositories,” can be ordered online, AND they are used more or less like a tampon.

From Foria’s website where peer reviewed medical journals are referenced for some sort of credibility:

Foria Relief contains both THC and CBD, the two key active cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis. Together they activate certain cannabinoid receptors in the pelvic region when introduced into the body via these specially formulated suppositories. Users have reported a significant decrease in the pain and discomfort often associated with menstruation. The cannabinoids directly impact the immune system and the nerve endings of the uterus, cervix, ovaries and surrounding smooth muscle tissues. THC positively affects the nerves and assists in blocking out pain while also allowing for more pleasant signals to be received by the brain. CBD works in the immune system by suppressing the mechanisms responsible for inflammation. CBD also slows down electrical signalling to muscles and allows them to relax, thereby reducing cramping. Foria Relief harnesses the power of these two cannabinoids to provide women with a safe and natural alternative to manage the cramps and pain they often experience while menstruating.

Sure, put marijuana in the hoo-hah, and no woman is going to feel any pain down there. The walls of the vagina are most absorbent and will soak up whatever is in it…well, except for the obvious. In cancer victims, this method of pain relief would be most beneficial. (For the rest of us who have an interest in keeping our reproductive organs in working order, maybe not so much. Seriously, long-term pot usage DOES effect the brain. What about other delicate organs?) The ladies commenting on the news stories claim the pot-head community has known about this for quite some time. That doesn’t mean we should all give it a try.

As positive as the Foria sales pitch above sounds, the truth is that the product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration…not that this is always a wholesome stamp of approval, but zero testing on the product has been done. Also, like regular tampons, the suppository brings the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, a potentially deadly condition brought on if the poisons in placenta do not exit the body in a timely fashion during a period. From the UK Huffington Post (note no American publication reports on this stuff):

Discussing her concerns about such a product, Dr Helen Webberley, the dedicated GP for Oxford Online Pharmacy, said: “In the USA all medicines, whatever route they are administered – orally as tablets, via the skin as patches or gels or as a pessary, through the vagina – have to be passed by the FDA.

“This capsule has not even been studied yet and it hasn’t been passed by the FDA. The assumption is that, as cannabis can cause muscle relaxation, it may help to ease period pains.”

She added: “Any medication needs to be fully evaluated for its risks and benefits before it can be classified as being safe for use. I would be very worried about women using this product before it has been fully evaluated.”

According to the manufacturer, women using the product do not get high. However, there are testimonials that it works as advertised. What the effects of long term use are, on the other hand, is not clear at all.

So, the people of the weed industry are trying to come up with creative new products using their plant extracts. Groovy and oh, so, far out. More at UK Independent.

About the Author

A resident of Flyover Country, Seraphina is a rare creature in American Conservatism - committed to not just small government, Christianity and traditional social roles, but non-profits and high arts and culture. Watching politics, observing human behavior and writing are all long-time interests.
In her other life, Seraphina writes romance novels under her nom de plume, Patricia Holden (@PatriciaHoldenAuthor on Facebook), and crochets like a mad woman (designs can be found on Facebook @BohemianFlairCrochet and on Pinterest on the Bohemian Flair Crochet board).
In religion, Seraphina is Catholic; in work, the jill of all trades when it comes to fundraising software manipulation and event planning; in play, a Seraphinaassically trained soprano and proud citizen of Cardinal Nation, although, during hockey season, Bleeds Blue. She lives in the Mid-Mississippi River Valley with family and two cute and charming tyrants...make that toy dogs.
Seraphina is known as Cultural Limits on other blogs.